Russia’s War Crimes in Ukraine:

A Landscape of Atrocities: Patterns of Russian War Crimes

The ongoing attack on Ukraine has been marked by widespread human rights violations and war crimes committed by Russian forces. From the deliberate targeting of hospitals to the forced deportation of children, these actions paint a disturbing picture of systematic abuse that goes far beyond the conventional bounds of warfare. As of September 29, 2023, Ukrainian authorities recorded 108,904 potential war crimes committed by Russian forces. This scale is horrific, and of course, there has been another year of escalating war crimes since that was reported. The atrocities in Ukraine form a deeply disturbing mosaic of human rights abuses and violations of international law, with civilians often bearing the brunt of the violence. This war on Ukraine demands global solidarity—not only to support Ukraine but also to uphold the principles of international law and human rights.

The Deportation of Ukrainian Children

Perhaps one of the most shocking aspects of this conflict has been Russia’s systematic deportation of Ukrainian children. Thousands of children have been forcibly transferred from occupied territories to Russia, where they are placed in a network of camps and facilities. When I was in Ukraine last year ( ‘A Doctor’s Harrowing Journey into Ukraine’  ) I met some of these children who had been rescued by ‘Save Ukraine‘. These children are subjected to “re-education” programs designed to erase their Ukrainian identity and instead instil Russian values and culture. Some are even put up for adoption by Russian families, effectively severing their ties to Ukraine permanently. And it’s not only children affected. These camps are reported to process hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, often separating families and targeting individuals deemed a threat to Russian control.

AP sources reveal the existence of “filtration camps,” where Russian forces detained and interrogated Ukrainian civilians, often subjecting them to torture and inhumane treatment. The AP investigation in Izium identified ten such sites, including a police station with a basement reeking of urine and decaying food, a school, and even a kindergarten. These camps served as a mechanism to identify and separate individuals considered threats to Russian control, further demonstrating the systematic nature of the abuses.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has recognised the gravity of these actions, issuing arrest warrants for both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, for their roles in this scheme.

Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure

From the first days of the invasion, Russia’s military has targeted civilian infrastructure, leaving hospitals, homes, schools, and cultural landmarks in ruins. Russian forces have conducted over 1,336 documented attacks on Ukraine’s healthcare system, targeting hospitals, clinics, ambulances, and medical personnel. These include the repeated bombing of the clinic I visited in Stanislav, Kherson which has been hit multiple times since my visit in 2023. The attacks injured a paramedic and destroyed an ambulance, further limiting the community’s access to critical care. Such assaults, including the bombing of Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital in Kyiv, are clear violations of international humanitarian law, which explicitly protects medical facilities during conflict. These deliberate actions not only devastate communities but also cripple access to lifesaving care in some of the war’s most vulnerable areas. Donations to our organisation are vital in these circumstances, enabling the provision of essential medical aid and care to those enduring this relentless destruction. Your support helps rebuild what war seeks to destroy. (see HERE)

The deliberate targeting of energy infrastructure (‘Attacks on Ukraine’s Energy’), dams, and power plants by Russian forces also constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law, categorising these actions as war crimes. These attacks are not merely military tactics; they are calculated measures to inflict widespread suffering on the Ukrainian population. By destroying critical infrastructure, Russia has plunged millions into darkness and cold, particularly during the harsh winter months which again are approaching, depriving civilians of heat, electricity, and clean water. The bombing of the Kakhovka Dam is a stark example, leading to massive flooding, ecological devastation, and the destruction of livelihoods. I witnessed farmlands and villages that no longer had access to water or power. Such actions are aimed at breaking the spirit of the Ukrainian people, exacerbating their vulnerability, and undermining their resilience. The systematic nature of these attacks reveals an intent to weaponise suffering.

Torture, Sexual violence and Inhumane Treatment

Russia’s use of torture and executions on Ukrainian civilians represents some of the most harrowing violations of international law during the conflict. Numerous reports detail civilians being subjected to beatings, electric shocks, mock executions, and extreme sexual violence in Russian-controlled filtration camps and detention centres. In the Chernihiv region, Russian forces executed six men after forcibly removing them from their homes. In Bucha, a mass grave revealed civilians who had been tortured before their execution, with hands bound and gunshot wounds to the head. Survivors recount being held in basements, where they were deprived of food, water, and medical care for weeks, enduring psychological torment and constant fear of death. Civilians have been found bound and tortured. A pile of women’s bodies had been set alight to cover the fact that they had all been raped. An entire network of torture chambers were found in de-occupied areas. These acts, systematic in nature, appear to be part of a deliberate strategy to suppress resistance and instil fear in the population, aiming to terrorise, enforce submission, and break morale, making them unequivocal war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Russia’s use of sexual violence in Ukraine has emerged as a grim and systematic war crime, targeting some of the most vulnerable members of society. Reports have documented the rape of women, children, and even men in areas under Russian occupation, often as a means of terrorising and dehumanising communities. Accounts from Bucha and other liberated areas reveal widespread sexual violence, with survivors describing brutal assaults carried out in front of family members to amplify the psychological torment. Children have also been subjected to these horrific acts, leaving deep and lasting trauma. I have personally seen the body of a violated nine-year-old girl on top of a pile of bodies left in a basement after the Russian occupation of Bucha near Kyiv.

Russia systemically uses sexual torture on male Ukrainian prisoners, including rape, castration, rape and castration threats, electric shocks, genital beatings, repeated forced nudity, and sexualized humiliation. Russian forces systematically deploy sexual torture in “almost all” detention centres, with the UN documenting 236 cases against men and boys in under three years. Evidence shows sexual violence is used against two-thirds of male prisoners. UN data indicates the scale of male sexual violence in Ukraine is unprecedented in their 30-year global database due to systematic torture.

Such violence is not incidental but appears to be a deliberate tactic to instil fear, exert control, and inflict maximum suffering on Ukrainian civilians. Survivors recount unimaginable suffering while investigators struggle to access evidence in occupied territories, where the perpetrators operate with impunity.

The execution of civilians (‘The Forgotten War‘) by Russian forces has emerged as one of the most harrowing aspects of the war in Ukraine, with mass graves uncovered in towns such as Bucha, Irpin, Izyum, Lyman, and Kherson. In Bucha, Russian troops systematically went door-to-door, rounding up and executing civilians suspected of collaborating with Ukrainian forces. This chilling operation, referred to as “zachistka” (cleansing), relied on lists compiled by Russian intelligence, indicating a premeditated effort to eliminate perceived threats. For instance, in Zdvyzhivka, two villagers, Ihor Syrotkin and Yevhen Pohranychnyi, discovered the bodies of five men in the garden of a house that had been used by Russian officers. Some of the deceased had their hands and eyes bound, and the blood was fresh, suggesting recent killings. Similar atrocities have been documented in other towns and villages formerly under Russian occupation, such as Izium, where the AP identified ten torture sites used to detain and interrogate civilians.Evidence of mass graves in Mariupol is seen on satellite images but the true extent may never be known whilst it remains under occupation. In Bucha alone, investigators discovered hundreds of bodies, many showing signs of execution-style killings, including gunshot wounds to the head and hands bound behind their backs. Survivors from occupied areas recount systematic detentions, torture, and extrajudicial killings carried out by Russian soldiers targeting individuals perceived as resisting occupation or simply as acts of terror against the local population.

In many areas coming under occupation there were multiple firsthand accounts of Russians shooting at civilians trying to escape and killing them in their cars.  Recent reports have come out of Kherson region in Ukraine that Russians are currently actively hunting civilians in cars, and on foot using FPV drones, filming themselves hunting and killing civilians.

Executing Surrendering Unarmed Ukrainian soldiers

Russia’s execution of prisoners of war (POWs) and wounded Ukrainian soldiers constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law. Reports from liberated areas and battlefield investigations have revealed instances where Ukrainian soldiers, captured or incapacitated, were summarily executed by Russian forces. In some cases, these killings were filmed by the perpetrators, highlighting the calculated brutality of such acts. For example, Ukrainian POWs have been shot at point-blank range, often while bound and defenceless, in clear contravention of the Geneva Conventions, which guarantee humane treatment for all combatants, regardless of their status. Additional reports describe wounded Ukrainian soldiers being denied medical care and subsequently executed, further illustrating the disregard for international norms. These actions are not only war crimes but also part of a broader strategy to demoralise Ukrainian forces, amplify terror, and erode the resolve of those defending their country. Accountability for these heinous crimes is paramount to upholding the laws of armed conflict and ensuring justice for the victims.

Indiscriminate Bombings

Indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes on civilian areas have become hallmarks of this war. The bombing of Mariupol’s maternity hospital and drama theatre, where civilians sought refuge ( and even wrote on the ground that there were children inside), exemplifies the callous disregard for human life. Such attacks violate the Geneva Conventions’ principles of proportionality and distinction, which prohibit targeting civilians.

The psychological toll on survivors is immense, particularly for children who face nightmares, anxiety, and interrupted education.

The bombing of civilian areas in Ukraine has become a near-daily occurrence, with Russian forces intensifying the frequency and brutality of their attacks. Entire residential blocks, markets, and cultural landmarks have been reduced to rubble, leaving countless civilians dead or injured. In many cities, schools and clinics are being built underground because the attacks are so constant. The scale of civilian injuries is huge, again highlighting the need for medical aid and the work of organisations like our partner CMA Ukraine.

This relentless targeting of non-combatants starkly violates international humanitarian law and demonstrates a deliberate strategy to terrorise and demoralise the Ukrainian population. In a chilling escalation, Russia recently allegedly deployed an intermediate-range ballistic missile (ICBM), striking the densely populated city of Dnipro. Described as a “test,” this weapon was used with full knowledge of the potential for mass civilian casualties. These types of weapons have a fairly wide range of error and are not what you would use to hit a specific target.  The attack, which marked the first known use of an ICBM in conflict, underscores Russia’s disregard for human life and the boundaries of lawful warfare, signalling a dangerous willingness to escalate violence against civilians to achieve its objectives.

Additionally, the types of weapons used and the way they are used by Russia violates International law.  Some examples are the use of cluster munitions, phosphorus and thermal bombs in civilian areas (which I saw myself in July 2023), the recent use of shrapnel loaded warheads on shaheds in civilian areas of Sumy and the well-documented use of chemical weapons (with 3100 cases of chemical weapon use recorded just since December 2023).

A Pattern of Systematic Abuse

Beyond these specific crimes, a broader pattern of systematic abuse has emerged:

1. Violence Against Civilians: Russian forces have carried out summary executions, and civilians have been killed simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

2. “Filtration Camps”: Ukrainian civilians in occupied territories are forced through these camps, where they face interrogation and potential forced relocation to Russia.

3. Forced Conscription: In occupied territories, Ukrainian men are being forcibly conscripted into the Russian military, compelling them to fight against their own country.

4. Suppression of Ukrainian Identity: Russian authorities are actively working to erase Ukrainian culture and identity in occupied areas by imposing Russian language, education, and legal regulations.

5. Destruction of civilian infrastructure to destroy and demoralise Ukrainian society

Many of these tactics and patterns mirror those used by Russian forces in previous conflicts, particularly in Syria. The deliberate targeting of hospitals and civilian infrastructure, for instance, was a strategy developed and tested in Syria before being implemented in Ukraine. This suggests these actions are not random acts of violence but part of a calculated military strategy.

Evidence and Documentation

One striking aspect of the conflict in Ukraine is the overwhelming amount of evidence documenting Russian war crimes. The sources repeatedly emphasize that this war is among the most documented in history, with a vast and growing body of evidence pointing to the culpability of Russian forces. This is despite the obvious difficulties of gathering evidence in an active warzone or areas under occupation.

This evidence comes from a diverse array of sources, including:

• Investigations by Ukrainian Authorities: The Ukrainian government has been meticulously documenting war crimes, interviewing survivors, and gathering forensic evidence.
• Reports by International Organizations: Bodies like the UN Human Rights Council, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the International Committee of the Red Cross have conducted independent investigations and issued reports detailing violations of international law.
• Independent Journalism: Organizations like the Associated Press and Frontline have played a crucial role in exposing war crimes through in-depth investigations, interviews with survivors, and the analysis of open-source information.
• Testimonies of Survivors and Witnesses: First-hand accounts from those who experienced or witnessed atrocities provide powerful evidence and shed light on the human cost of the conflict.
• Intercepted Communications: Ukrainian authorities have released intercepted phone calls of Russian soldiers discussing killings, looting, and other illegal acts, offering direct evidence of criminal intent.
• Surveillance Footage: Videos from security cameras in places like Bucha have captured the movements of Russian troops and provided visual evidence of executions and other crimes.

The Struggle for Justice: Barriers and Progress

Achieving accountability for these atrocities requires overcoming significant challenges. Despite the gravity of the crimes, justice remains elusive.

Obstacles to Accountability

1. Jurisdictional Challenges: Russia’s refusal to ratify the Rome Statute limits the ICC’s ability to prosecute high-ranking officials. While Ukraine has accepted ICC jurisdiction, it does not cover the crime of aggression, necessitating the creation of a special tribunal.
2. Russian Non-Cooperation: Russia denies accusations of war crimes and has not cooperated with international investigations, making it difficult to gather evidence and hold perpetrators accountable.
3. Evidence Collection: Active conflict makes gathering evidence difficult, particularly in Russian-occupied areas where investigators face restricted access. Many witnesses fear retaliation, further complicating efforts.
4. Disinformation: Russian propaganda spreads false narratives, undermining international support for Ukraine and obfuscating accountability. (‘Russian Disinformation: The Digital Threat to Democracy’)

Efforts to Overcome Challenges

Despite these barriers, international and local efforts are underway:

• Investigative Initiatives: The ICC, UN Commission of Inquiry, and human rights organisations are rigorously documenting evidence of war crimes. Ukraine’s judiciary has also secured convictions against several perpetrators.
• Universal Jurisdiction: Countries like Germany and Spain are leveraging universal jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for crimes committed in Ukraine, regardless of nationality.
• Humanitarian Aid: NGOs, including “Save Ukraine,” are rescuing abducted children and supporting displaced families, offering vital psychological and medical care along with other NGO’s like our partners CMA Ukraine.
• Special International Tribunal: There is ongoing discussion and debate about establishing a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression against Ukraine specifically. This tribunal would focus on prosecuting the political and military leadership responsible for planning and launching the invasion.

While the road to justice may be long, these efforts are crucial for:

• Deterring future atrocities
• Providing justice for victims
• Upholding international law
• Preventing similar crimes in future conflicts

Personal Accounts: The Human Face of War

The stories of those affected by the war reveal the staggering human cost of these atrocities. In my article about my visit to Ukraine ( ‘A Doctor’s Harrowing Journey into Ukraine’  ), I shared the harrowing experiences of families in liberated areas. In Bilohirka, I met Sergei and Tanya, who live in a makeshift shelter, enduring daily shelling and mourning the loss of their pre-war lives.

In Stanislav, a grandmother displayed an X-ray of shrapnel lodged in her chest, a grim reminder of the early days of the invasion. Two weeks after my visit, the village was bombed again, killing a resident and destroying the recently repaired clinic. It has been hit several times since.

I met Andriy, an ex-soldier who had been tortured, who had witnessed Russians trying to deport children in his village and was now working to rescue deported children.

Children bear the scars of war most profoundly. At a school in Bila Krynytsa, I watched as soldiers taught children to recognise ordnance disguised as toys—a chilling necessity in a conflict that targets civilians indiscriminately. The laughter of children playing amidst the ruins was punctuated by distant explosions, emphasising the fragile nature of their joy.

And these atrocities add context to the words of a Ukrainian Military chaplain I met who said, “Our people do not fight because we hate them [Russians] but because we love the ones we are protecting.”

The Global Stakes: Why Ukraine’s Fight Matters

Ukraine’s resistance is a battle for universal values—sovereignty, human rights, and the rule of law. The implications extend far beyond its borders:

• Erosion of International Norms: Russia’s blatant disregard for international law threatens to normalise aggression and undermine the global order.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The war has exacerbated food insecurity, disrupted energy markets, and displaced millions, with ripple effects felt worldwide.
• Geopolitical Shifts: Russia’s growing alliances with rogue states like North Korea, Iran and China underscore the global implications of unchecked aggression.

Standing with Ukraine: A Call to Action

The world must unite to support Ukraine’s struggle for justice and freedom. This requires:

1. Sustained Support for Investigations: International bodies and NGOs must continue to document evidence, build cases, and prosecute perpetrators.
2. Countering Disinformation: Efforts to combat Russian propaganda are essential to maintaining global solidarity with Ukraine.
3. Humanitarian Aid: Supporting organisations that provide food, shelter, medical and psychological care to survivors is crucial. (see HERE)

“Ukrainians seek not soldiers but solidarity and the means to protect their freedom.” (Lara Wieland, 2023) Their resilience is a testament to the enduring human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable suffering.

A Shared Responsibility

Ukraine’s fight is not only about defending its own sovereignty but also about upholding the principles of humanity and international law. The war has laid bare the fragility of these principles and the price of their neglect. By standing with Ukraine, the global community affirms its commitment to justice, human rights, and a world where such atrocities are never normalised.

What can you do?

Support Humanitarian Efforts: Donate to trusted organisations providing essential aid to Ukrainians, such as medical care, shelter, and psychological support. Organisations like our partners directly deliver medical supplies and aid and assist families in war-torn regions. Every contribution makes a tangible difference no matter how small. You can donate HERE (tax deductible in Australia)

Amplify the Truth: Counter disinformation by sharing verified news and stories about the war. Raising awareness helps combat Russian propaganda and ensures global solidarity with Ukraine remains strong.

Advocate for Justice: Urge your governments to support international efforts to investigate and prosecute war crimes. Advocate for the establishment of a special tribunal to address the crime of aggression and pressure world leaders to hold perpetrators accountable.

Provide Emotional and Practical Support: Reach out to Ukrainian communities and refugees in your area. Offering assistance with housing, education, or emotional support can make a significant impact on those displaced by the conflict.

Boycott Russian Goods: Make ethical consumer choices by avoiding products and companies that benefit from or support the Russian regime. Economic pressure is a powerful tool to signal opposition to aggression.  (some common examples of companies that continue to provide tax funds for Russia to use on weapons are Mars, Pepsi, Nestle, P&G, Coca Cola, Loreal – a more comprehensive list is HERE)

Stand in Solidarity: Display symbols of support, such as Ukrainian flags or ribbons, to show your community and leaders where you stand. Public demonstrations and community events can also help sustain awareness and advocacy. (you can also buy earrings and jewellery  HERE  that show your support for Ukraine and make great talking points)

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